Culver City Action on Fireworks Delayed Until After April Election

The Culver City council Monday postponed action on the sale of fireworks until after the April 8 election.

The council shelved a comprehensive city staff report that included options to end sales by placing the issue on the June or November ballot or calling a special election.

Dale Jones, the city's chief administrative officer, told the council that a June vote would be "inconvenient" because fireworks sellers would already have rented space for stands and bought their stock.

The city allows nonprofit groups to apply for sales permits from March 1 to April 1. Ten applicants are chosen by lottery and sales run from June 29 to July 4.

Culver City is one of only a few cities in Los Angeles County to allow the sale of so-called "safe and sane" fireworks.

The council is split 3 to 2 in favor of sales. But two fireworks supporters are up for election in April. They face five challengers, including three who are openly opposed to sales.